Councilman Seeks to Make West Des Moines the Best Place to Live in America

WEST DES MOINES – West Des Moines City Councilman Russ Trimble announced today he will be running for Mayor this November.  “I love this city and the people who live here! I am passionate about serving the people of West Des Moines and I will not rest until our city is the best city in America in which to live, work, play, and raise a family!” announced Trimble, who has served on the council since 2010. 

“I am proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish over the last 11 years.  We’ve cut taxes, balanced the budget, increased public safety, and raised our quality of life amenities to a whole new level,” noted Trimble, the most senior member of the council.

While on the council, Trimble has voted to cut taxes several times, lowering the levy rate from $12.05 to $10.99.  Later this month, the council is scheduled to vote to cut taxes again as the city adopts its upcoming FY 22 budget.  This action will lower the tax levy another 4 cents to $10.95. 

“If elected Mayor, I will continue to support policies that have contributed to our success.  This includes continuing to cut taxes when responsible to do so, continuing to add game-changing quality of life amenities, and working with our business community to continue creating good-paying jobs” remarked Trimble.

“It has been an absolute privilege to serve the people of this city and it would be my honor to continue that service as Mayor,” said Trimble.

Mayor Steve Gaer, who announced he’d be retiring after 22.5 years of public service, praised Trimble, “I’m excited for Russ.  He’s a great guy and a hard worker.  He’s got the city’s best interest at heart and in spite of all of all of our accomplishments, I truly believe our best days still lie ahead.” 

Trimble, who is known for his grass-roots campaigning, plans to visit residents over the next 9 months to solicit their input and feedback.

“Visiting with people at their doorstep has been the cornerstone of my service as a councilman.  My job is to hear the concerns and represent the interests of the people I serve. There is no better way to accomplish this than visiting with residents at their front door,” explained Trimble.  

Councilman Trimble commended Mayor Steve Gaer for his leadership and years of service both on the council, and as Mayor, “Steve has been a great leader and a strong advocate for the City of West Des Moines.  His leadership and vision have helped make the city what it is today.  It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve alongside Steve over the last 11 years.”      

Trimble, who was first elected in November of 2009, works as a Legislative Analyst for the Iowa Senate and has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and an undergraduate degree in International Relations from Drake University.  Trimble has served in many capacities throughout his time on the council, including as Mayor Pro Tem, chair of the city’s finance committee, liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and the Library Board.  Trimble is also a proud member of the Youth Justice Initiative Advisory Board and has represented the city on a number of regional boards and commissions such as the Central Iowa Water Trails Governance Committee, the Polk County Homeless Coordinating Council, and the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART), where he currently serves as Chair.  

Russ and his wife Alana, have been married over 20 years and have four children ages 13 through 19.  Alana runs a nonprofit organization she founded in 2012 that provides birthday gifts to children whose parents cannot afford gifts.  She also serves as Co-Vice President of the Valley/Valley Southwoods Parent Teacher Organization.  The Trimbles’ three younger children attend public school in West Des Moines, while their oldest child is a freshman at the University of Northern Iowa.